FARMERS’ DAY: “I am the originator” — Dr Adjei-Maafo Reveals How It All Began

For millions of Ghanaians, the first Friday of December is synonymous with Farmers’ Day, a national occasion dedicated to celebrating the men and women whose work feeds the country.

But behind the annual ceremony is a story of personal initiative, practical decision-making and a former government official who proudly claims responsibility for creating the celebration.

Dr Isaac Kofi Adjei-Maafo, best known for his pivotal role as the PNDC Secretary (Minister) for Agriculture from 1985 to 1986 revealed that he was the originator of the idea of setting aside a special day to honour Ghana’s farmers.

“I am the originator,” he said in an interview with Kafui Dey, reflecting on how the celebration began during his time in government.

“I thought about it and said, ‘Why don’t we have a day for farmers?’” he recalled.

According to Dr Adjei-Maafo, the idea was conceived in 1985, when he became concerned that farmers had never received formal national recognition despite their vital contribution to Ghana’s economy, food supply and national development.

“I felt that there had never been official recognition of farmers,” he explained.

“They were feeding the nation, but nobody had set aside a day to recognize them,” he added.

At the time, farmers played a central role in sustaining the country’s food production and supporting the wider economy, yet there was no dedicated national occasion to acknowledge their efforts. Dr Adjei-Maafo therefore proposed that the government set aside a special day to celebrate farmers and recognise their contribution.

“I said we needed to do something that would make farmers feel appreciated,” he said.

That proposal led to the introduction of Farmers’ Day in 1985. Since then, the celebration has been observed annually on the first Friday of December.

The choice of Friday, however, was not the result of a long-standing tradition or an elaborate calendar plan. Dr Adjei-Maafo said it was largely a matter of convenience.

“Out of convenience,” he said, explaining that Fridays were less demanding for him and provided an opportunity to organise and host the event.

“I was looking for a day that would be practical for everybody,” he explained.

He added: “Friday was convenient because it allowed us to organise the programme without disrupting the rest of the week.”

What began as a practical decision would eventually develop into one of Ghana’s most enduring national traditions. Over the years, Farmers’ Day has grown from a modest initiative into a major national event, featuring awards, public ceremonies and recognition for farmers, fishermen and other agricultural workers across the country.

“It started in a simple way, but it has grown beyond what we imagined,” Dr Adjei-Maafo said.

The celebration has also become an opportunity for the government and the public to reflect on the importance of agriculture, food security and rural development.

“Farmers are the backbone of the country,” he said. “Without them, there can be no food security and no meaningful development.”

Dr Adjei-Maafo said Farmers’ Day has remained on the first Friday of December since it was introduced in 1985.

“The date has stayed the same from the beginning,” he noted.

Nearly four decades later, he continues to follow the celebration closely. He described Farmers’ Day as his “40-year-old baby” and said he still pays attention to how it is organised each year.

“It is my 40-year-old baby,” he said. “So naturally, I still take an interest in it.”

For him, the occasion represents more than an annual ceremony. It is the fulfilment of an idea born from his belief that farmers deserved formal recognition for their contribution to the country.

“This was not just about organising an event,” he explained. “It was about giving farmers dignity and letting them know that the nation values what they do.”

Although Farmers’ Day has grown considerably since its humble beginnings in 1985, Dr Adjei-Maafo believes its central purpose remains unchanged: to honour farmers and give them the recognition they deserve.

“The purpose must never be lost,” he said. “We must continue to celebrate the people who feed us.”